How Do You Know Your Dog Is Having an Off Day? (The Signs Most Pet Parents Miss)

I’m no saint — I’ve made mistakes, trusted the wrong advice, and learned things the hard way. But over time, we cracked what works when it comes to pet wellness and nutrition.

This blog is not theory. It’s real, lived experience — from my pack to yours.

Story 1: Taco — When His Eyes Said Everything

“Something is not right, baba,” Pavithra said as she was looking at Taco’s picture.

We were on a holiday in Pondicherry. It had been a while since we had taken one after the kiddos came home — Ozzie (our Shih Tzu), Taco, Bella, and Max (our beagles). All adopted.

I looked at the picture, turned it around like that Bingo Mad Angles ad… but couldn’t make anything out of it.

“He is fine, babes. You’re overthinking.”

But Pavithra wasn’t convinced.

“No baba, I know him. Something is not right. I’m calling them.”

This was end of 2016.

She made the call.

And to my surprise… she was right.

Taco hadn’t eaten well the previous night and had refused food that morning.

Now, Taco refusing food was an absolute no-no.

We were back in Bangalore the same evening and rushed him to the vet.

Worst fears confirmed.

Tick fever. A severe one.

It takes a lot to fight it. Many dogs don’t make it.

But not Pavithra. Not Taco.

They fought.

And today, Taco is 14 years old — happy and strong. (Touch wood)

After everything settled, I asked Pavithra:

“Babes, how did you know?”

She pulled out the same picture… and then another from three days earlier.

“What do you see?”

I looked again.

“Nothing, honestly.”

“Baba… look closer.”

And then I saw it.

In the first picture — there was a spark in his eyes. In the second — they were dull.

That’s when it hit me.

Eyes are your first checkpoint. They tell you everything.

Story 2: Ozzie — When “Fussiness” Wasn’t Just Fussiness

Ozzie (Shih Tzu) is my soul child. I feel deeply connected to him — just like Pavithra is to Taco.

One day, he was unusually fussy.

Now, he is fussy… but this felt different.

Initially, Pavithra and I thought — usual tantrums. We ignored it.

That evening, he was still the same.

Deep down, I felt something was off.

Pavithra hand-fed him and he ate… but without interest.

Next day — he struggled to poop.

Another sign.

I told Pavithra. She still felt he was fine.

Third day — same story.

That’s when I knew.

Something was definitely off.

Even when Pavithra felt he was okay, I said, “I’m taking him to the vet.”

We did.

And we found out — his liver values were way off.

It took us 2 months to get him back to normal.

👉 Repeated small changes are not random. They are signals.

• Fussiness

• Change in poop

• Low interest in food

These things matter.

Story 3: AL — When There Was No Time to Think

Lastly, meet AL — our GSD, who came into our lives in 2021.

He was abandoned and tortured by his previous owners before Pavithra rescued him.

I fell in love with this big fellow instantly.

Strong. Tall. Dashing.

His hind legs had suffered due to abuse, but his spirit? Unbreakable.

He became part of the pack in no time.

AL loved food.

Actually, that’s an understatement.

Because he had been starved earlier, food meant survival to him.

Even after months of training (Pavithra is a certified trainer), one issue remained:

👉 He ate too fast.

One morning:

• He played well

• Drank a lot of water just before food

• Finished his meal in seconds

Everything seemed normal.

Until it wasn’t.

Within minutes:

• He started retching

• Restless

• Pacing

• Trying to throw up

We knew instantly — something was seriously wrong.

We rushed him to the vet.

Bloat. Severe.

Don’t ask me how… but he survived.

He lived another 2 years before passing away due to dementia.

👉 Some signs don’t give you time. You have to act immediately.

• Retching

• Gasping

• Restlessness

• Pacing

These are not “wait and watch” signs.

The Bigger Truth

There are many more such examples.

And I will cover them — liver, bloat, and more — in separate blogs.

But if there is one thing I want you to take away from this:

Dogs don’t speak. But they are constantly communicating.

We just need to learn how to listen.

Disclaimer: This content is based on my personal experience of raising and caring for my furkids over the last 30+ years. I am not a veterinarian. Every dog is different, and I strongly recommend consulting your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet or routine.